Nigerians React to Wike’s Radio Station Launch for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign
The
political landscape in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn with the
unveiling of a new radio station by former governor Nyesom Wike and his support
group.
The station, according to reports, is designed to serve as a platform to promote President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027. This development has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, reflecting both political enthusiasm and deep divisions.
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| Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, |
Bandits Kill Three, Abduct Catholic Priest and 10 Others in Kaduna
Kaduna State has once again been
thrust into the spotlight of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis following a
violent attack by armed bandits. The assault, which occurred in the early hours
of Saturday, February 7, 2026, left three people dead and resulted in the
abduction of a Catholic priest along with ten other residents. The incident has
sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent government action to address the
escalating wave of violence in the region.
The Incident
The attack took place around 3:20 a.m. in Karku village, located in Kauru Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna. Witnesses reported that the bandits stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and causing widespread panic. Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, was among those abducted. Alongside him, ten other villagers were taken away by the assailants. The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction in a statement, expressing deep sorrow and urging prayers for the safe return of the victims.
A symbolic photo of a cracked house
Editorial: Domestic Violence in Nigeria and the Tragic Case of a Son Burning His Parents’ Home
The
recent incident of a 35-year-old man setting his parents’ house on fire after
his father refused to give him money is not just an isolated act of rage; it is
emblematic of a broader crisis of domestic violence in Nigeria.
This
shocking event illustrates how unresolved family tensions, economic
frustrations, and emotional instability can culminate in destructive outcomes
that devastate households and communities alike.
Domestic violence in Nigeria has reached alarming levels. Data from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) shows thousands of reported cases in 2025 alone, with women and children disproportionately affected.
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| The Burn House |
35-Year-Old Man Sets Parents’ House on Fire After Father Refuses Money
In a shocking incident that
underscores the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violence, a
35-year-old man has been reported to have deliberately set his parents’ house
ablaze after his father refused to give him money. The case has drawn
widespread attention due to the severity of the act and the tragic consequences
it poses for family safety and community stability.
The Incident
According to reports, the man approached his father demanding financial assistance. When his request was denied, he allegedly resorted to arson, setting fire to the family home. The blaze quickly engulfed the property, leaving behind significant destruction. Neighbors and community members were alarmed by the sudden outbreak of fire, and emergency responders were called to the scene to contain the damage.
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| Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State |
The Strategy That Delivered Kano to the Presidential Party
On
January 26, 2026, Kano State underwent a dramatic political realignment that
reshaped Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Governor
Abba Yusuf, elected in 2023 under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and
once a protégé of Rabiu Kwankwaso, formally returned to the All Progressives
Congress (APC).
This move was not a solitary defection but a sweeping migration that carried nearly the entire state apparatus with him. Twenty-two of the 24 members of the State Assembly, nine federal lawmakers, and all 44 local government chairmen followed suit, creating the impression of a coordinated and calculated shift rather than fragmented political opportunism.
Sassou N’guesso to Seek Another Term, Cementing Congo’s Longest-Running Presidency
President
Denis Sassou N’guesso of the Republic of Congo has announced his candidacy for
the March 2026 presidential election, a move that underscores his enduring grip
on power and cements his position as the country’s longest-serving leader.
At 82 years old, Sassou N’guesso made the declaration during a public event in Bambou Mingali, north of Brazzaville, signaling his intent to extend a political career that has spanned nearly five decades.
Pope Condemns Deadly Attacks in Nigeria
Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks in Nigeria, expressing deep sorrow and concern over the escalating violence. His remarks come after reports of mass killings in Kwara State and other regions, where hundreds of lives were lost in one of the deadliest incidents in recent months. The pontiff’s intervention underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect citizens.
Details of the Attacks
The violence, reportedly carried out by armed extremists, targeted communities in Kwara State and surrounding areas. Witnesses described gunmen storming villages, burning shops, and destroying property. Estimates suggest that between 162 and 200 people were killed, making it one of the most devastating assaults in Nigeria’s recent history.
Special Report: Catholic Church Urges FG to Halt Mass Killings, Abductions, and Violence in Nigeria
The Catholic Church in Nigeria has raised a strong and urgent appeal to the Federal Government (FG), demanding immediate and decisive action to stop the escalating wave of mass killings, abductions, and other forms of violence plaguing the nation. This call comes amid rising insecurity, particularly in northern and central regions, where communities, schools, and places of worship have increasingly become targets of armed groups.
Background of the Crisis
Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in violent attacks, including mass kidnappings of schoolchildren, killings of villagers, and abductions of clergy and worshippers. One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Niger State, where over 300 students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic Co-education School were abducted during an early morning raid by armed bandits. The Catholic Church, alongside other religious and civil society organizations, has condemned these acts as gross violations of human dignity and fundamental rights.
“Nigeria Cannot Afford to Normalize Bloodshed” - Catholic Secretariat Condemns Mass Killings, Demands Urgent Action
On February 7, 2026, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), issued a powerful statement denouncing the relentless wave of killings and abductions across the country. The Secretariat warned that Nigeria is dangerously sliding into a culture of normalized violence, where bloodshed and impunity have become routine, eroding the very foundations of governance and human dignity.
The Cry
Against Violence
The CSN described the current situation as a “field of grief,” lamenting that countless communities have been devastated by repeated attacks, abductions, and killings. Despite years of complaints and promises from authorities, violence continues unchecked, leaving citizens weary of empty condolences that fail to guarantee their safety. The Secretariat expressed profound outrage and sorrow at what it termed an “assault on human life and dignity,” stressing that Nigeria is descending into a “slaughterhouse” where human lives are treated as expendable.
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, at St. Mark’s Pastoral Area, Gbuduwyi, Abuja, 08.02.2026.
Homily by Archbishop I. A. Kaigama
Readings: Isaiah 58:7–10; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; Matthew 5:13–16
Theme: Christians, called to be the flavour of life (salt) and light that dispels the darkness of evil
I sincerely thank your priest-in-charge, Fr. Clement Ujah, the catechist, lay leaders, and all the faithful of St. Mark’s Pastoral Area, Gbuduwyi, for your warm welcome and for your dedication, which I have heard about and now see and experience. This is evident in the number of those to be confirmed today, the installation of your new tabernacle, and your new grotto of our Lady, which we shall bless. You have really grown, considering how you started from a humble beginning, celebrating Mass under a tree in 2015, then becoming an outstation of St. Rita Dakwo, and now, a pastoral area on the highway to becoming a parish by God’s grace and the cooperation of all of you.
A Historic Wedding Celebration in Nigeria
In a
remarkable display of grandeur and tradition, Defence Minister Bello Matawalle
hosted an extraordinary event in which ten of his children were married on the
same day.
The
ceremony, held in Nigeria, drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries,
including two sitting presidents, senior government officials, traditional
rulers, and prominent figures from across the country and beyond.
The scale of the occasion underscored both the minister’s influence and the cultural significance of family celebrations in Nigerian society.
American Missionary Alleges Benue Government Sabotage in Yelwata Village Reconstruction
An
American missionary working in Nigeria has accused the Benue State government
of deliberately attempting to sabotage his humanitarian project aimed at
rebuilding Yelwata village, a community recently ravaged by bandit attacks.
The missionary, who has been active in relief and reconstruction efforts across the Middle Belt, claims that his initiative to restore homes and provide basic infrastructure for displaced villagers has been obstructed by state authorities.
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| Symbolic Photo |
Editorial: Türkiye’s Expanding Military Role and Nigeria’s Geopolitical Balancing Act
The Kwara
tragedy has not only shaken Nigeria but also drawn the world’s attention to the
country’s ongoing struggle against terrorism.
While the
United States and the United Nations have condemned the killings and lauded
Nigeria’s troop deployments, Türkiye’s pledge of military support introduces a
new dimension to Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy.
This editorial examines how Ankara’s growing presence in Africa could reshape Nigeria’s relations with the United States, France, and ECOWAS, and what this means for regional stability.
Symbolic Photo
Editorial: Türkiye’s Military Pledge and Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Future
The
massacre in Kwara State has once again exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s
security architecture and the devastating human toll of unchecked violence.
International
condemnation has been swift, with the United States and the United Nations
denouncing the killings, while Türkiye has gone further by pledging military
support. This editorial explores how Ankara’s commitment could reshape
Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and alter the balance of regional security
in West Africa.
Türkiye’s pledge is not merely symbolic. Ankara has steadily expanded its defense footprint across Africa, supplying drones, training, and military hardware to several states grappling with insurgencies.
Special Report: International Condemnation of Kwara Attack and Nigeria’s Security Response
On February 5, 2026, tragedy
struck Woro and neighboring Nuku communities in Kwara State, Nigeria, when
gunmen carried out a devastating assault that left at least 75 people dead,
destroyed homes, and forced residents to flee. The attack has drawn strong condemnation
from the United Nations, the United States, and Türkiye, while Nigeria has
responded with significant troop deployments to restore security. This report
examines the international reactions, Nigeria’s domestic response, and the
broader implications for regional stability.
International Condemnation
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, described the attack as “heinous” and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Nigerian government. His statement emphasized solidarity with Nigeria and called for swift recovery for the injured.
NIGERIA'S ELECTION RESULTS: REAL-TIME TRANSMISSION OR NON-REAL-TIME TRANSFER?
The
debate over Nigeria’s election results centers on whether outcomes should be
transmitted electronically in real time from polling units or transferred later
through prescribed procedures. This distinction has become one of the most
contentious issues in electoral reform, shaping both public trust and the
credibility of future elections.
The controversy stems from the provisions of the Electoral Act and recent amendments debated in the Nigerian Senate. While many Nigerians expected that the law would mandate real-time electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) result viewing portal, lawmakers opted instead for electronic transfer without the real-time requirement. This decision has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it undermines transparency and opens the door to manipulation.
Turaki Says No Cause For Alarm As INEC Recognises Wike-backed PDP
The
unfolding political drama within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has
taken another turn following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s
(INEC) recognition of the caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The commission invited the Abdulraham Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led faction to a stakeholders’ meeting in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This recognition comes after a Federal High Court ruling that sacked the faction led by Barrister Tanimu Turaki, SAN, thereby intensifying the internal crisis within the PDP.
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| (L-R), US President Donald Trump and Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu |
Trump Recognises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at US Prayer Breakfast
In a
moment that drew international attention, United States President Donald Trump
publicly acknowledged Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the
National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, February 5,
2026.
The annual event, a long-standing tradition in the American capital, brings together political leaders, diplomats, and religious figures from across the globe to reflect on faith, unity, and shared values.
INEC Registers Two New Political Parties Ahead of 2027
In a
significant development shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially registered two new
political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on February 5, 2026, by the Commission’s National Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), during the first quarterly consultative meeting with political party leaders at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Enugu Court Orders UK to Pay £420m Compensation to Families of Slain 1949 Coal Miners
In a
landmark judgment delivered on February 6, 2026, the Enugu State High Court
ordered the United Kingdom to pay £420 million in compensation to the families
of 21 coal miners killed in the infamous Iva Valley massacre of November 1949.
The
ruling, handed down by Justice Anthony Onovo, declared that the killings
constituted an unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the miners’ right to
life, placing direct responsibility on the British colonial authorities.
The court awarded £20 million to each of the victims’ families, alongside a post-judgment interest of 10 percent per annum until full payment is made. In addition to financial reparations, the UK government was ordered to issue a formal apology to the families, to be published in newspapers in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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| Photo showing Kaduna's State Governor Sani and a cross-section of rescued worshippers |
Gov Sani Receives 183 Rescued Worshippers in Kaduna
In a
moment of relief and celebration, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State formally
received 183 worshippers who had been abducted by bandits from the Kurmin Wali
community in Kajuru Local Government Area.
The victims, taken during a church service on January 18, regained their freedom after 18 harrowing days in captivity. The reception took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, where the governor was joined by heads of security agencies, senior government officials, and community leaders.
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| Nigeria's Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe |
Senate Didn’t Reject E-Transmission of Results, Abaribe Clarifies
In the
wake of widespread media reports suggesting that the Nigerian Senate had
rejected the electronic transmission of election results, the Minority Caucus
has moved swiftly to set the record straight.
On February 5, 2026, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate Minority Leader, clarified that the Senate did not, in fact, reject the provision for electronic transmission of results during deliberations on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. His statement came after confusion and criticism followed Wednesday’s plenary session, where reports circulated that lawmakers had voted against the measure.
Tinubu Meets Kwara Governor After Kaiama Attack
President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-level meeting with Kwara State Governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the State House in Abuja following the devastating
assault on Worro community in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred just two days prior, left more than 160 people dead and has been attributed to suspected jihadist fighters. The tragedy has sparked urgent consultations between federal and state authorities to address the worsening security situation in Kwara State.
INEC Confirms 2027 Election Timetable is Ready
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially finalized the timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, setting February 20, 2027, as the date for the Presidential and National Assembly polls, followed by Governorship and State Assembly elections on March 6, 2027.
The announcement was made in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, during an engagement with Civil Society Organisations. He emphasized that despite delays in the passage of the amended Electoral Act by the National Assembly, the Commission has completed its preparations and is committed to ensuring that the electoral process remains on track.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, key developments are already shaping the political landscape, from urgent calls for electoral reform to concerns about INEC’s preparedness and rising political mobilization.
Editorial Update: Nigeria Decides 2027
The road to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is already stirring intense national discourse.
With less than two years to go, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised alarms over delays in amending the Electoral Act 2022, a move seen as critical to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
INEC has also announced plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise, aimed at strengthening the integrity of the voter register and curbing manipulation.
